2021
WISE Score
Amazon
Auntie Mame meets Palm Springs in this sharp, sparkling, and surprisingly tender story about why every kid needs a 'Guncle' in their life.
4.4
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The Guncle is a gem. Steven Rowley manages to make a story about a dead mom and a dad in rehab feel like a poolside cocktail—breezy but with a real kick.
It’s not a 'kids book' even though there are kids in it, so don't hand it to your 4th grader unless you want to explain what a 'thirst trap' is or why Uncle Patrick is always holding a martini. For parents and older teens, it’s a masterclass in finding humor in the middle of a total mess. It’s fast-paced, stylish, and has a massive heart.
This is a book written for adults, but it's a great 'crossover' read for 14+ teens who enjoy smart humor and don't mind a story that deals with real-world grief. It's definitely not for the elementary schoolers it depicts.
At its heart, this is a story about a family knitting itself back together after a tragedy. It models deep empathy, the importance of showing up for people, and how to handle grief with a mix of humor and honesty.
While it's grounded in the real world, the 'Guncle Rules' and the vibrant, stylized Palm Springs setting give it a distinct, colorful personality that feels fresh compared to standard family dramas.
It's a book for adults, so expect cocktail-heavy lifestyles, references to rehab/addiction, and witty sexual innuendo. It’s safe for mature teens, but younger kids might stumble onto themes they aren't ready to parse.
It provides a fantastic look at non-traditional family structures and explores the process of mourning in a way that is accessible and profoundly moving without being depressing.
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